South African policies

Press, 17 November 1981, Page 20

South African policies

Sir.—The Prime Minister of Zimbabwe has accused South -Africa of destabilising his cbuntrv (“The Press.” Novem-. ber 11, 1981). The South African Government has rejected this accusation and has often ex-

pressed its desire to engage in practical and positive relations with that country. In the face of expressions, of support for the A.N.C. and S.W.A.P.O. by the Zimbabwean Government, South Africa warned of the dangers of harbouring South Africa’s enemies, but has always stressed its willingness to co-operate with Zimbabwe. In an interview broadcast on the television programme “Meet the Press,” the Minister said on • August 17, 1980, that whereas the South African Government had accepted Mr Mugabe’s victory it would not accept that country being used as a springboard for attacks against South Africa. Your readers will recall that the President of Zambia used to blame the economic problems of his country on the war in Rhodesia; these problems are still continuing. Perhaps Mr Mugabe should also be given the luxury of a i scapegoat for his country’s ’ problems — South Africa in this case. — Yours, etc., C. J. NORTJE, Consul-in-Charge, South African Consulate, Wellington. November 11, 1981.